Best Hole Saw Pilot Bits of 2026

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Hole saw pilot bits are an indispensable tool for anyone who needs to make precise cuts in various materials. These bits are designed to guide the hole saw through the material, ensuring accuracy and preventing the saw from wandering. They are available in a range of sizes and materials to suit different applications, from woodworking to metalworking. Hole saw pilot bits are also easy to use, simply attach the bit to the hole saw and start drilling. With their ability to make clean and accurate cuts, hole saw pilot bits are a must-have for any DIY enthusiast or professional tradesperson.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Spyder Hex10 HSS Hole Saw Pilot Bit Cover #TOP 1
Spyder Hex10 HSS Hole Saw Pilot Bit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Sajhotelc 9-Piece Hole Saw Kit (32-76mm) with Case Cover #TOP 2
Sajhotelc 9-Piece Hole Saw Kit (32-76mm) with Case
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Milwaukee Big Hawg 48-27-1401 Pilot Bit Cover #TOP 3
Milwaukee Big Hawg 48-27-1401 Pilot Bit
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Hole Saw Pilot Bits

#TOP 1

Spyder Hex10 HSS Hole Saw Pilot Bit

600645P
1/2-inch
Spyder Hex10 HSS Hole Saw Pilot Bit Cover
Spyder ½-inch Hex10 HSS Hole Saw Pilot Bit, ¼-inch x 7-⅛-inch, Compatible with Rapid Core Eject, for Wood and Metal

The Spyder Hex10 Pilot Bit is designed to make your drilling tasks easier and more efficient. It features a high-speed steel (HSS) bit that quickly cuts through both wood and metal, saving you time and effort. The ½-inch hex shank fits securely into your drill, providing a stable connection for better control. Plus, this pilot bit works seamlessly with Spyder's Rapid Core Eject system, allowing you to quickly attach and remove hole saws without hassle. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional, this bit offers convenience and reliability for your projects.

What We Like
High-speed steel bit
Works on wood and metal
Secure ½-inch hex shank
Compatible with Rapid Core Eject
#TOP 2

Sajhotelc 9-Piece Hole Saw Kit (32-76mm) with Case

ZK-001
Orange
Sajhotelc 9-Piece Hole Saw Kit (32-76mm) with Case Cover
9-Piece Hole Saw Kit (1-1/4" to 3" / 32-76mm) with Mandrels, Arbor, Gloves & Case for Soft Wood, PVC Board, Plywood(Orange)

The Sajhotelc Hole Saw Kit offers a complete set of six hole saws ranging from 1-1/4" to 3" in size, perfect for various DIY projects involving soft wood, PVC, and plywood. You get a mandrel, arbor, hex key, and an extra drill bit, all neatly stored in a sturdy case for easy organization and portability. Made from heat-treated carbon steel with a rust-resistant coating, the sharp teeth cut smoothly and quickly, saving you time and effort. For added safety, the kit includes gloves and an arbor to keep the drill bit secure, compatible with most electric and impact drills for convenience.

What We Like
Complete 9-piece set
Durable carbon steel
Rust-resistant coating
Includes safety gloves
Compatible with electric drills
#TOP 3

Milwaukee Big Hawg 48-27-1401 Pilot Bit

Milwaukee - 48-27-1401
Pack of 1
Milwaukee Big Hawg 48-27-1401 Pilot Bit Cover
Milwaukee 48-27-1401 Big Hawg Pilot Bit

The Milwaukee Big Hawg Pilot Bit is designed to make your drilling tasks easier and more efficient. Its user-friendly design means you can quickly and easily set it up for use, saving you time and frustration. Built to last, this pilot bit offers durability that stands up to tough job site conditions, so you can rely on it for long-term use. Although it’s manufactured in China, it meets Milwaukee’s quality standards. This pilot bit is specifically made to fit Milwaukee Big Hawg Arbors, ensuring a perfect fit for your tools and enhancing your overall drilling experience.

What We Like
Easy to use
Durable construction
Compatible with Milwaukee Big Hawg
#TOP 4

ENGTOOL MaxTool BA00S16R14P2 Carbide Tipped Pilot Drill Bits

BA00S16R14P2
Grey
ENGTOOL MaxTool BA00S16R14P2 Carbide Tipped Pilot Drill Bits Cover
MaxTool 2PCs 1/4" x 3-3/4" Carbide Tipped Pilot Drill Bits for All holesaw arbors to Cut Asphalt Brick Concrete Marble Tile etc; BA00S16R14P2

The ENGTOOL MaxTool Pilot Bits come in a handy two-piece set stored in a clear tube, making it simple for you to organize and hang them on your pegboard. These bits are designed to serve as pilot drills, especially useful when working with deep cut-depth hole saws on tough materials like asphalt, brick, concrete, marble, and tile. Their premium carbide tips provide durability, so you can count on long-lasting performance during your projects. Plus, the shank features a flat side, which lets you easily adjust and fit various sizes of hole saws, giving you added flexibility and convenience.

What We Like
Clear storage tube
Suitable for deep hole saws
Durable carbide tips
Adjustable shank design
#TOP 5

IDEAL Electrical 36-312 Pilot Drill 1/4 inch

IDEAL Electrical 36-312 Pilot Drill 1/4 inch Cover
IDEAL Electrical 36-312 Pilot Drill, 1/4 in, 3/4 Drilling Depth

The IDEAL 36-312 Pilot Drill is designed to help you create precise holes quickly and efficiently. Its compact size, measuring just over 12 centimeters in length, makes it easy to handle during your projects. Made in Taiwan, this drill bit offers reliable quality you can trust. The precision ground carbide teeth ensure fast cutting, allowing you to drill clean, round holes with minimal effort. Whether you're working on electrical installations or other detailed tasks, the IDEAL 36-312 Pilot Drill provides the power and accuracy you need to get the job done smoothly.

What We Like
Compact size
Made in Taiwan
Fast cutting
Clean, round holes
#TOP 6

Vearter 6PCS AITiN Coated Pilot Drill Bit Set

V-M2-QZ-YNHJ-6PCS
Black&Silver
Vearter 6PCS AITiN Coated Pilot Drill Bit Set Cover
Vearter 6PCS Pilot Drill Bit for Hole Saw, AITiN Coated HSS M2 Hole Saw Center Drill Bit for Metal, Stainless Steel, Iron, Aluminum Alloy, Wood, Plastic

The Vearter Pilot Drill Bits are designed to fit hole saws with sizes 6mm by 65mm, making it easy for you to find the right fit for your projects. These bits work well with metal cutting hole saw kits, especially those 14mm or larger, so you can use them with your existing tools. You’ll appreciate their versatility since they perform effectively on tough materials like stainless steel, iron, aluminum, wood, and plastic, giving you a reliable option for various tasks. Plus, the AITiN coating on the high-speed steel bits means they stay sharper longer, resist corrosion, and run cooler, helping you get more done without frequent replacements.

What We Like
AITiN coating durability
Compatible with metal hole saw kits
Works on multiple materials
Sharp, corrosion-resistant bits
#TOP 7

Lenox 1779771 Pilot Drill Bit

1779771
Multi
One Size
Lenox 1779771 Pilot Drill Bit Cover
Lenox Tools 1779771 4.25-Inch Pilot Drill Bit for Hole Saw Arbors

The Lenox Pilot Drill Bit is designed for precision and durability. Made from hardened carbon steel, it ensures strength and longevity, allowing you to tackle tough drilling tasks with confidence. This bit is compatible with various arbors, including solid-hex and hollow-hex types, making it versatile for different projects. With a 1/4-inch chuck size, it fits a wide range of drills, giving you flexibility in your toolkit. By using this pilot drill bit, you can enhance your drilling accuracy and efficiency, making your work easier and more effective.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel construction
Versatile arbor compatibility
Standard 1/4-inch chuck size
Improves drilling accuracy
#TOP 8

Alrhso M2 Steel Hole Saw Pilot Bits, 5-Pack

742984_1_3ueKBDgb
Alrhso M2 Steel Hole Saw Pilot Bits, 5-Pack Cover
Hole Saw Pilot Bit, 5 Pcs M2 Steel Pilot Drill Bit for Hole Saw, Metal Center Hole-Drill-Bit for Iron, Wood, Metal, Steel, Plastic

The Alrhso M2 Pilot Bits are designed to work smoothly with hole saws sized 9/16" and up, so you can easily fit them into your current tools. Made from strong M2 steel, these bits last a long time and handle tough materials like metal and steel without wearing out quickly. Their specific size ensures you drill accurately, helping you make clean and precise holes with less chance of mistakes. Plus, these bits are versatile enough to be used on many materials including hard metals, wood, and iron, making them a handy addition to your toolbox for various projects.

What We Like
Wide compatibility
High durability
Accurate drilling
Versatile use
#TOP 9

Mollom Stepped Pilot Drill Bits

MSDB05
Silver
Mollom Stepped Pilot Drill Bits Cover
MOLLOM Stepped Pilot Drill Bits 5Pcs for Carbide Hole Saw, Center Drill bit for Metal, Steel, Iron, Wood, Plastic

The Mollom Drill Bits come in a convenient pack of five, ensuring you have the right tools for your drilling needs. Crafted from high-quality steel, these bits are designed to be durable and less likely to break during use. With a shank size of 15/64 inch and a length of 2-7/16 inches, they fit well with Mollom carbide hole cutter products, making them a perfect choice for your projects. However, it's essential to handle them with care, as they are hard and brittle. Keeping the drill straight will help you achieve the best results.

What We Like
Durable steel construction
Includes five bits
Compatible with Mollom cutters
Optimal size for precision
#TOP 10

FIXED UP FINDS Freud Diablo DHS4BITII Hole Saw Pilot Drill Bit 7847841

DHS4BITII
Multicolor
FIXED UP FINDS Freud Diablo DHS4BITII Hole Saw Pilot Drill Bit 7847841 Cover
for Freud for Diablo DHS4BITII Hole Saw 1/4 Shank Pilot Drill BIT 7847841, for Diablo Arbor bits, for holesaw kit 1/4 Shank Wood, for diiablo Pilot bit for Hole Saw, for ddiablo Holle Saw Drill bit

The FIXED UP FINDS Pilot Drill Bit offers steady and precise drilling, helping you create accurate pilot holes in wood and soft materials with ease. Its design ensures it stays securely in place during use, giving you confidence in your hole saw’s alignment. Built to last, this bit resists vibrations, which means smoother operation and consistent results every time. The enhanced stability during cutting supports a reliable fit in hole saw arbors, making your drilling tasks easier and more efficient. Overall, this bit provides dependable performance for your woodworking and soft material projects.

What We Like
Stable rotation
Secure arbor fit
Durable and vibration-resistant
Accurate pilot hole drilling
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What size is the pilot bit for a hole saw?

The pilot bit for a hole saw is typically x 3-1/2 inches in size. This pilot bit is used with a hole saw arbor to aid in the cutting process.

2. Do I need a pilot bit with a hole saw?

Yes, it is recommended to use a pilot bit with a hole saw. While a hole saw can cut through various materials, using a pilot bit helps in guiding and stabilizing the hole saw during the cutting process.

3. What drill bit to use for pilot holes?

The drill bit size for pilot holes depends on the type of wood being used. For hardwoods, it is advised to use a drill bit slightly larger than the screw diameter. If unsure, choose a drill bit that is 1/64” larger than the screw diameter.

4. Should a pilot hole be the same size as the screw?

When creating a pilot hole for a nail, the drill bit should be slightly smaller than the nail's shank. For a screw, the drill bit should be the same size as the body of the screw, excluding the threads.

5. What size hole saw do I need for a 2-inch hole?

To create a 2-inch hole, you will need to use a hole saw that is slightly larger. It is recommended to use a 2 1/2-inch hole saw or a 2-inch conduit knockout punch.

6. How do you drill a hole with a hole saw without a pilot bit?

Drilling a hole with a hole saw without a pilot bit can be done by using a guide plate. First, purchase a hole saw guide plate. Remove the pilot bit, then screw the guide plate onto the hole saw. Set up the guide plate and test it by cutting a hole.

7. What happens if you don't drill a pilot hole?

If you don't drill a pilot hole before inserting a screw, it can result in material damage and make it more difficult to drill the screw in. It can cause the wood to crack or damage the material being worked on.

8. Do you drill pilot holes all the way through?

When drilling pilot holes, it is recommended to drill until the pilot hole is the same depth as the length of the screw or nail being used. Use a drill stop or visually estimate the appropriate depth.

9. Does a pilot hole need to be smaller than a screw?

To prevent wood from splitting, the pilot hole should generally be slightly smaller than the screw's shank when working with softwoods. For hardwoods, the pilot hole can be slightly larger. If unsure about the wood type, a pilot hole that is about 1/64” larger than the screw's shank is a good guideline.

Editor's Notes

During our hole saw pilot bit research, we found 24 hole saw pilot bit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,872 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hole saw pilot bits list. We found that most customers choose hole saw pilot bits with an average price of $11.51.

The hole saw pilot bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hole saw pilot bits, including Spyder, Sajhotelc, Milwaukee, ENGTOOL, Ideal Industries. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 430 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.